Shock Kitchen

57, HuaMei W St, Sec 1

Burgers and salsa dancing are the focal points of this bright, attractive, Latin-flavored restaurant, located in the Canal District between Taichung Port and GongYi roads. The husband-and-wife owners, Stan and Miranda Chen, actually met while salsa dancing and it remains a big part of their lives. Stan, a former computer engineer, says he decided to open this place after his previous job left him increasingly feeling like a computer himself. Besides the restaurant's specialty burgers, other very reasonably-priced fare includes make-it-yourself Mexican Chicken (NT$139) and Beef (NT$159) tacos; a couple pasta dishes; a variety of appetizers like salads, fries, and chips and salsa; plus cheap beers, NT$150 Mojitos; milkshakes, and hot/cold coffees (NT$60), made with Mojo Cafe coffee beans. --By Douglas Habecker, translated by Naomi Lai

A. The Mexican Beef Burger (NT$159), made with spicy jalapeno peppers, is one of nine extremely creative burger options that Stan has come up with after much experimentation. These include the Hawaiian-style Pork & Bacon Burger (NT$139), served with pineapple; the Thai Chicken Burger (NT$149), which incorporates shredded green papaya and peanut powder; the Spinach and Beef Burger (NT$159), with bacon and tartar sauce; and two Mini Burger selections, including a vegetarian option.

B. Every Friday from 8 p.m. to midnight is Salsa Night, when the tables and chairs are cleared away to make way for a night of dancing on a purpose-built floor. These nights include free salsa lessons, DJs and other activities, and the cover charge is NT$200 (includes a drink). While main-course items like burgers are not sold at this time, appetizers and drinks are still available.

C. Shock Kitchen's attractive interior features mustard and light-green walls with brick and tile highlights, a dark-wood floor, attractive wooden floor-to-ceiling book shelves, and a variety of salsa-themed artwork, information and decor. Besides the regular dining tables and chairs, there is a comfortable sofa area and a small bar to sit at.